Grip mechanism foe cable railways



2 Sheets- Sheet 1.

(No Model.

H. M. LANE.

GRIP MECHANISM POR CABLE RAILWAYS. No. 371,599.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets- Sheet 2.,

H, M. LANE.

GRIP MEGHANISM FOR CABLE RAILWAYS. No. 371,599. Patented 001;. 18,A 1887.

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HENRY M. LANE, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE LANE NATIONAL CABLE RAILVAY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

GRIP MECHANISM FOR CABLE RAILWAYS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 371,599, dated October 18, 1887.

Serial No. 182,812. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY M. LANE, acitizen of the United States, residing at Cincinnati, Ohio, have invented new and useful Improvements in Grip Mechanisms for Cable Railways, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to cable railways, its object being to provide a system of mechanism for connecting railway -cars with a powerdriven cable so constructed and arranged that the'cars may be used interchangeably upon two independent cable lines or upon a steam or other railway and a cable railway operated as parts of a continuous or connected system or to traverse a given course.

To this end my invention consists, primarily, in a grip device adapted to be attached t0 or detached from a car at will without removal from the cable-tunnel, and in the construction and arrangement of the various features of said grip mechanism and subsidiary devices employed, all as hereinafter more fully described.

Mechanism embodying the various features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is an upper plan view of a gripconnecting frame attached to a railway-car. Fig. 2 is a partial side elevation of a railwaycar sectioned longitudinally through the gripconnecting frame and cable-tunnel, showing the grip device in posit-ion clamped upon the cable. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the grip device with its jaws open; Fig. at, aplan View of the grip-actuating rod and safety-spring; Fig. 5, an end View ofthe grip device; Fig. (i, a vertical cross-section of the grip device, taken in the plane :c x of Fig. 3; Fig. 7, a side elevation of one of the forward axle-bearings of the grip-connecting frame shown in Figs. l and 2; and Fig. 8, an end View and central vertical section, respectively, ofthe engagingbar. r

The parts hereinafter referred to are designated in the drawings by the letters of reference.

Referring now to the drawings, A designates the car; a a, its axles; T, the track rail; B, the cable way or tunnel; C, the cable gripping device.

The cable-gripping device C is made a separate and independent structure, to be attached to or detached from the carat will. Vhen detached from the car, it is carried upon rollers 5 C', with which it is provided, and rides upon the uppersurface,t,of the Z-irons or slotrails7 constituting the roof of the cable-way, the grip shank still projecting through the slot into the tunnel B, as normally.

The detailed construction of the gripping device C is as follows: Its main elements are, first, a rectangular frame consisting of an elongated head-piece, c2, carrying the supporting-rollers c at its overhanging ends, a fixed jaw-piece, c3, carrying the lowerjaw of the grip proper, and the vertical Shanks c e", connecting the head c2 and foot or fixed jaw-piece c3 into a rigid frame; second, an open frame, c5, sliding vertically within the first and carrying the upperjaw ofthe grip proper, and, third,

a crank-arm, c, seated within the inner frame,

c5, and engaging with the head c2 by means of a wrist passing laterally1 through slots in the sides of the head-piece c2, as hereinafter described.

The head-piece c is preferably formed of cast-iron, with a wide open recess at one side closed by a removable plate, ci, forming avertical recess or chamber open at the bottom, 8o into which the upper ends of the shank-bars cc4 enter and are secured by the fasteningbolts of the plate cl, and in which, also, the frame c has a vertical play.

The upper edge of the head c2 is extended 85 laterally into a T liange, c, to engage with the mechanism, hereinafter described, attached to the car to lift the gripping device C from the tunnel-surface t and retain it in engagement with the car, to which end, also, there is a re- 9o cess, d, sunk vertically into the upper edge of the head c2, through or into the flange 08, to admit the head of a gravity-catch, L, pivoted upon the car mechanism, as more fully hereinafter set forth.

The foot-piece c3 is likewise preferably of cast-iron, extended longitudinally to constitute the bottom of the frame C and form a retaining-socket for the lower (steel or gunmetal) friction-block,b, ofthe cable-grip. Two rco cable-carrying frietion-rollers,c9 c, are journaled in the outer ends of the foot-piece c3, and near each end it is extended vertically into short legs c10 c1", whose inner opposite edges form guides for the vertically-moving x05 frame c5. These also constitute extensionside a fastening-socket for the upper friction` block, b', of the cable-grip, and at the other vertical slots formed to engage upon the guides om cm.

In the inner surface of the bottom side of the frame c5, at one 'side of the lineal center, 1s formed an open cylindrical socket for the 4 pivotal seating of the lower end of a crankarm, c, which thus has only a th rust-bearin g 1n such seat. The inner surface of the top arch of the frame a5 (indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3) is conformed to the arc traversed by the upper end of the crank-arm c, so that in its pivotal movement the upper end of the crank is in sliding contact with said arc-surface at all points of travel.

The upper end of the crank-arm c is provided with a cylindrical head or wrist, w, eX- tended laterally through open slots s in the sides of the vertical chamber or recess of the head-piece c2, before described, said slotss being preferably inclined upward from front to rear to gain vertical distance for the travel of the inner frame, c5, and also speed of action in gripping and releasing the cable. The action of this part of the apparatus is as follows: The parts being in the position shown in Fig. 3, and the upper end'of the crank-arm c6 being drawn forward by the connecting-rod D, as hereinafter set forth, the wrist w travels in the fixed path of theguide-slots s, and the crankarm e in changing its radial position toward the vertical thrusts the frame c5 downward. When the opposite movement is given to the wrist w, the frame is lifted by the sliding thrust of the' upper end of the crank-arm upon the arc surface of the frame. These two movements close and open the'gripjaWs to engage and release the cable between the frictionblocks b b. The movement of the wrist w in the slots sis effected by a connecting-rod, D,

bifurcated at its rear end into arms d d, Fig. 4,

extending at both sides ofthe gripping device C and engaging-by loops with the wrist w.

The forwardend of the rod D isprovided with a suitably-perforated head, d', to engage detachably upon the wrist of a crank, e, journaled in xed bearings upon the front plat- `form of the car A, and providedwith wormgear or other suitable means for its actuation by the hand-wheel e. The head d may also be suitably formed to be conveniently grasped by hand for moving the grip device when de-4 tached from the car and riding upon its bearing-wheels c c". rIhe rod D is also pivotally jointed at a mid-point, a, of its length to permit the necessary changes of position of the grip device() in relation to the car in passing Curves, &c., and a spring, S, is provided, connecting the rod D with the gripping device C, preferably arranged as shown, to automatically open the grip-jaws in case of breakage of the controlling mechanism.

The vcounterpart of the grip mechanism, which connects it with the car, is constructed as follows: Two bars, E lll, preferably formed of T-iron, are suspended longitudinally between and upon the front and rear axles a of the car A a convenient distance apart between the car-wheels by bearing-blocksff and ff, respectively, in which the axles are journaled. Longitudinally between the two bars E E is arranged a third bar, G, pivoted at its ends centrally to the two cross-bars F F, which latter have resting-bearing only upon the outer bars, E E, flanged frictionrollers r, Fig. 7, being provided upon the bars E to receive the cross-bar F and prevent them from moving laterall y across the said supports E E. Projections or loops hare also provided, extending above the rollers r over. the bars F, to prevent the vertical displacement of the cross-bars, and set-screws h may also be inserted, the said projections to bear against the top side of the bars F and retain them adjustably against the rollers r. The central or movable portion of the frame (consisting of the central bar, G, and cross-bars F, pivoted thereto) is normally held in its central position. by springs at each side. The preferred construction is that of a single plate spring, S', at each side, secured centrally to the center bar, G, with ends curved outward and bearing against the longitudinal bars E E. This construction, as will be seen, permits the propelling to be applied to the center bar, G, and the said bar to adjust itself to varying angles and positions automatically.

The'center bar, G, is of approximately inverted U form in cross-section, the lower ends of the U -section being turned in toward each other, forming substantially a hollow tube of rectangular cross-section with a IIO continuous longitudinal opening at its under side. The ianges g, constituting the lower side of the hollow bar G, are lineally-inclined planes, rising from their lowest points at the endsof the bar G to a shortlevel at the center. The bar G may also be tiered laterally a-t its ends and the ends of the flanges g beveled, the object of this construction being to enable the bar to ride over and clasp the head or flange c8 of the gripping device C in the slot or opening between the flanges g, and by means of the inclined planes formed by said flanges to elevate the grip device C, so that its bearing-wheels c may clear the tunnel-surface t. i

In the top of the bar G, at the center, is

upon its bearing-wheels c', the car is driven i over it and picks up77 the gripping device, the head cs seating between the flanges g of the bar G, and as the car moves forward rides up along the inclined planes of the flanges g until the catch L drops into its recess and secures the grip device to the car against longitudinal moveuient, after which the rod D is lifted and its head d engaged upon the wrist of crank e. This being done, the car is under control of the cable mechanism as governed by the liand-wheel e. To release the grip mechanism,the rod D is disengaged from the crank e, the catch L lifted out of the recess d, (as by a cord, 2,) and the grip device pulled out in either direction, dropping upon its bearing-wheels, as before; or, the grip device being held, the car may be moved in either direction, thus diseiigaging itself from the grip. Vhen the grip device is thus detached from the ear, it drops down until bearing-wheels c rest upon the tunnel-surface, and it may be moved thereon as an independent structure. rlhe forward cable-roller, c", of the foot-piece c3 ofthe grip device is anged only at one side, in order to more readily pick up the cable in passing beyond cable turn-outsas, for example, at a cable-driving station located at an intermediate point on the line.

The head d is provided with side lugs, d2, to prevent the head from entering the slot when dropped down upon the tunnel-surface.

I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United Statesl. In cable railways, a grip device for connecting the car and cable, combined with mechanism to connect the same with or dis connect the same from the car without removal from the tunnel, substantially as set forth.

2. In cable railways, a grip device, combined with devices to support it in the tunnel when disconnected from the car and devices to engage it with the car automatically by the passage of the car over it, substantially as set forth.

3. In cable railways, an independent grip device for att-aching the ears to the cable, adapted to be self-sustaining in and upon the tunnel when disengaged from the car, in combination with a ear provided with engaging mechanism, whereby the passage of the car over the grip device enables the engagement to be made between the ear and grip device,

or the latter to be disengaged and the car to pass over and away from the grip device,substantially as set forth.

4. An independent grip device for cable railways, provided with mechanism for the vertical actuation of the grip-jaws by an approximately horizontal movement of a rod or chain to be temporarily connected with the car,said grip device, when disconnected from the ear, being self-sustaining and movable in and upon the tunnel and attachable to or detachable from the car at will.

5. In cable railways, an independent grip `device for attaching the car to the cable, provided with bearing-wheels adapting it to ride and be supported upon the tunnel-irons when detached from the car, substantially as set forth.

6. A grip device for cable-railway cars embodying a fixed supporting-frame, a movableI frame guided therein, an oscillating arm seated at the upper end in and guided by an approximately horizontal slot in the head of the fixed fraaie and having apivotal thrust engagement at its lower end with and upon the movable frame,and grip surface-blocks carried by said frames, respectively.

7. The combination, in a grip device for cable railways, of tixed and movable frames carrying the grip-jaws and an oscillating toggle-arm seated at one end upon and within the opening of the movable frame and at the other in au approximately horizontal slotin thefixed frame, by the oscillation of which arm thejaws are actuated, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination, in a grip device for cable railways, ofa fixed anda movable frame carrying the grip-jaws and an interposed oscillating toggle-arm pivotally seated at one end in the movable frame and at the other end carried in an approximately horizontal slot in the fixed frame, and a spring actuating the slot end ot' the arm toward its inclined position to hold the grip jaws normally open, as set forth.

Q. In a grip device, in combinat-ionwith a fixed guide-frame, an inner open movable frame having an open circular recess at the inner bot-tom surface for the seating of an actuating toggle-arm and an arched inner top surface struck from the center of said lower recess, and a toggle-arm seated in said lower recess and playing in contact with said arched inner surface above, substantially as set forth.

10. In combination with a grip device attached beneath the car and actuated by an approximately horizontal movement of a connecting-rod, a coupling-rod having a vertically-hinged extension adapted to engage willi the actuating mechanism upon the car and permit lateial intern'iovement of the car and grip device, substantially as set forth.

l1. Inconibinationwiththeactuating-crank of a grip device actuating beneath the car and means for actuating the same, an approximately horizontal coupling-rod and a pivoted extension connecting the said rod with the crank, having joints at right angles to cach other, substantially as set 101th.

12. In combination with the detachable selfsustaining grip device,` an actuating couplingrod attached to and remaining therewith and available for manipulating the grip device as an independently-movable structure when detached from the car, substantially as set forth.

13. In combination with the gri p device and its movable frame and actuating-arm, a bifurcated actuating-rod extending at `both sides of the grip from its engagement with its actuating- IIO arm, and the spring attached to the grip-head and to the joined end of the rod between its bifurcated members, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14. In combination with a car, the grip dcvice, and the actuating-rod, the hand-wheel, Worm-gear, and crank-arm arranged upon the front platform of the car, substantially as set forth.

15. In combination with the detachable and self-sustaining grip device and its couplingrod, provided with an actuating-head for engaging the actuating mechanism of the car, the enlargement or lugs for sustaining the head d upon the tunnel and preventing its dropping into the slot.4

16. lIn a grip cable device embodying grooved carrying-rollers in the extended line of the lower grip-jaw, a front roller constructed with but one flange, the outer iiange being removed to facilitate the'picking up of the cable in passing cable turn outs, substantially as set forth.

17. In a grip device for cable railways, the cast head c2, formed with a side recess for the reception and play of the movable frame, in combination Wit-h the detachable plate c7, the shank-bars c4, and the lower member, c, substantially as set forth.

18. In agrip device for cable railways, in combination with a head-piece provided with a recess for the reception and play of a movable jaw-frame and with connecting-Shanks c, a lower cast member having vertical extensions olo for the secure connection of the Shanks and forming guides for the movable jaw-frame, substantially as set forth.

19. A grip device for cable railways, ernbodying in combination a cast head extending above and outside of the tunnel and provided with bearing-wheels at the longitudinal eX- tensions ofthe head for supporting the structure upon the tunnel-irons, a vertical gripshank extending downward into the tunnel through the slot, a lower member secured to the shank and carrying the fixed grip-jaw in the tunnel, and a movable frame carrying the opposite grip-jaw, guided and retained in the plane of the shank, substantially as set forth.

20. In a grip device for cable railways, in combination with a head-piece to which the shank is attached above, a lower member to which the shank is attached below, carrying the lower grip-jaw, and a plane movable frame carrying the upper grip-jaw, a connecting -shank extended below the horizontal plane of the tunnel-slot in a second plane offset from but parallel with the first to bring the gripping-jaws and actuating mechanism into a common vertical plane with the tunnelslot, substantially, as set forth.

2l. In cable railways, a grip device adapted when detached from the car to ride upon the tunnel-irons, in combination with engaging mechanism upon the car, whereby the passage of a car upon its track over the grip device lifts the grip device clear of the tunnel-irons and engages it with the car, substantially as y carried by the car-axles, in which the grip is' received, supported, and held temporarily by suitable mechanism, substantially as set forth.

25. A grip supporting frame, for cable-railway cars, consisting, substantially, of a central engaging-bar pivoted to and held by laterally-moving end supports and side springs mounted upon and between the car-axles.

26. In combination with a grip device provided with a laterally-extended engaginghead, a correspondingly-formed engaging-bar carried upon the car, adapted to receive, engage, and support the grip device by means of its engaging-head and suspend the same beneath the car, as and for the purpose set forth. Y

'27. In grip-cable mechanism, in combination with a'detachable grip device adapted to operate therewith, the adjustable engagingframe upon the car, consisting of the socketbar G, provided with latch or dog L, pivoted cross-bars F" F, springs S S', and sustainingbraces E E, substantially as set forth.

28. The engaging-frame as constructed, embodying the sustaining-bars E E, carried between and upon the axles ct a, and carrying friction-rollers r, the laterally-moving crossbars F F, the central socket-bar, G, pivoted to the vcross-bars F, and the side springs, S S', arranged and operating substantially as set forth. A

29.l In combination with a grip device formed with ahead having lateral engaging. anges and a vertical slot or recess, a socketv bar carried by and upon the car, said bar being formed with daring ends and with fianges corresponding with the grip head to pick up and engage the same, and with a latch or detent to engage in said vertical slot or recess of the grip-head to lock the same against relative longitudinal motion, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

' HENRY M. LANE. Witnesses:

L. M.,HosEA, C. D. KERR.

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